§ 3-3

If the State Board disapproves the request for a new community college, no election shall be held or further proceedings had on such petition to establish a community college district. If the State Board approves the request to establish a community college district, the State Board shall cause notice of a hearing on the petition to be given by publishing a notice thereof at least once each week for 3 successive weeks in at least one newspaper having general circulation within the territory of the proposed district, and if no such newspaper exists, then the publication shall be made in 2 or more newspapers which together cover the territory with general circulation. The notice shall state when and to whom the petition was presented, the description of the territory of the proposed district, and the day on which the hearing upon the petition and the report of the State Board will be held. On such day or on a day to which the State Board shall continue said hearing, the State Board or a hearing officer appointed by it shall hear the petition, present the report and determine the sufficiency of the petition as herein prescribed, and may adjourn the hearing from time to time or continue the matter for want of sufficient notice or for other good cause. The State Board or a hearing officer appointed by it shall hear any additional evidence as to the school needs and conditions of the territory and in the area within and adjacent thereto and if a hearing officer is appointed he shall report a summary of the testimony to the State Board. Whereupon the State Board shall determine whether it is for the best interests of the schools of such area and the educational welfare of the students therein that such district be organized, and shall determine also whether the territory described in the petition is compact and contiguous for college purposes.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 99-655, eff. 7-28-16.)